NBA 2016-17 forecast: Pacific Division

By Brian Boake | Sep 5, 2016

November 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Raptors 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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SACRAMENTO KINGS

Last season: 33 – 49

This season: 30 – 52

Did he fall, or was he pushed? Did DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings’ best player by many miles, arrive in SacTo as a fully-formed jerk, or did he become one out of frustration?

If this collection of Kings looking more like pawns is any better than last year’s, I’m too blind to see it. Rudy Gay will show up, hog the ball while getting his points and money, and watch the playoffs on TV. Omri Casspi gets another chance, Arron Afflalo becomes less and less relevant, and there’s no backcourt to speak of.

Nov 15, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

What are they doing with Cousins, Willy Cauley-Stein and rookie George Papagiannis? The Kings have no outside shooting, but all manner of redundant length.

Trade Cousins for draft picks and a shooter, then move on. At least the long-suffering fans of California’s capital will have some hope.

Next: Positive change in the desert

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